ACCESS Community Specialist

Position Description

Harris County Public Health has earned the 2023 Best Place for Working Parents Business Designation.

About Harris County Public Health:
Harris County Public Health (HCPH) includes a network of more than 700 public health professionals working together to improve health outcomes for the third most populous county in the United States. HCPH provides a multitude of services such as medical and dental services, community programming, and health education for the approximately 2.3 million people in unincorporated Harris County. Through its core values of innovation, engagement, and health equity, HCPH strives to bring meaningful solutions to public health issues while keeping Harris County healthy and vibrant.

ACCESS Community Specialist Position Overview:
Under the supervision of the ACCESS Harris IMDT Manager, the ACCESS Community Specialist (CS) is responsible for educating and enrolling community participants in ACCESS Harris. The CS will assist by locating community resources for participants and making referrals to ACCESS Harris. The CS will form relationships with potential participants who are the most vulnerable and high-need residents. In addition, the CS will conduct outreach to the community (individually and as a team member) to build strong relationships with youth, residents, businesses, and community groups.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Responsible for providing case management services to participants enrolled in ACCESS Harris; works with participants to enhance stability and overall well-being by addressing specific needs that may have contributed to the identified vulnerability; assists with internal and external referrals for medical, substance use, mental health, parenting, employment, housing needs, and other needs related to social determinants of health.
• Conduct site/home visits as needed to new participants and provide follow-up to existing participants; ensure the safety and basic needs of the participants are met appropriately and caringly.
• Accompany participants to medical, housing, and other needed appointments and any other in-field support requested; communicate with community members, colleagues, and clients effectively and efficiently.
• Supports community-based organizations and maintains relations with community members, organizations, businesses, and other entities to coordinate service delivery and identify needs; Facilitates workshops, makes presentations at schools, and secures detention centers as needed.
• Distribute public education materials to a targeted audience; Distribute information about community events and important resources.
• Attend, participate, and complete all program training; attend weekly staff meetings and other team meetings, as required; attend and participate in training, workshops, and conferences as needed and assigned by supervisors.
• Other duties as assigned including responding to an emergency event.

Requirements

Education:

• Highschool Diploma or GED equivalent and satisfactory experience.

• Individuals who are formerly incarcerated or have other experience in the criminal justice system are particularly invited to apply (however, they must have no pending criminal cases or prior convictions for sexual assault, child abuse, or domestic violence).
• Able to pass a drug screen.

• Experience working with at-risk youth, adults, and/or street organization members (knowledge of the street sets, crews, street organizations, and or groups).
• Committed to working toward positive community change.
• The ability to use a computer and Microsoft Office.

• Understands the organizational mission
• Understands ethics and public good; is concerned with public trust
• Demonstrates respect for the opinions and beliefs of others
  

• Contributes to an inclusive workplace where equity, diversity, inclusion, and individual differences are valued and leveraged to achieve the vision and mission
• Demonstrates a sense of responsibility for the success of the group
• Collaborates with others to improve quality and address needs

• Ability to adapt to change

• Treats others with courtesy, sensitivity, and respect
• Behaves in an honest, fair, and ethical manner
• Assesses and recognizes own strengths and weaknesses
• Uses sound judgment
• Self-motivated
• Organizes and maintains work environment to allow for maximum productivity

• Communicates clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing

Preferences

Education:

• Associate degree in human services or other related field

General Information

• Full-Time | Regular (40hrs. per week -including evenings and weekends).
• Ability to work outside regular business hours (evenings and weekends) is required.
• No current conflicts in the community that will hinder the job responsibilities from being carried out.
  

• This position is heavily involved in the community.
• Potential to work off-site at local community centers.
• Strong team skills and ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
  

• Ability to walk 30-40 blocks or more on a regular basis.
• Frequently required to sit or stand, use manual dexterity, speak, listen, hear, and write.
• May occasionally lift and move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift to 50 pounds.
• At a minimum, 50% local metro travel is required, including transporting clients, participating in community outreach programs, and attending meetings and training opportunities.
  

• Harris County Public Health (1111 Fannin Street, Houston TX 77002).

• Medical Coverage
• Dental Coverage
• Vision Coverage
• Wellness Plan
• Life Insurance
• Long-term disability
• Employee Assistance Program
• Ten (10) days of vacation each year for the first five (5) years of service
  • Accrual rates increase based on years of service
• Eleven (11) County-observed holidays and one (1) floating holiday
• Professional development opportunities
• Dependent Care Reimbursement Plan
• Healthcare Reimbursement Account
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan